Bob Marshall on Abortion

Republican Senate challenger

Abortions result in higher health care costs for all

Even the widespread practice of legal induced abortion has resulted in higher health care costs. For example, a December, 2007 study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University found that previous abortion significantly increased Low Birth Rate and
Premature Births. Low birth weight is one of the most important factors contributing to neonatal mortality and sickness and accounts for roughly two-thirds of all perinatal and infant deaths.

Adult stem cell therapy more effective than embryonic

My bill, HJR 588, set up the Virginia General Assembly Stem Cell Study Committee which I chaired for three years. Testimony from doctors and ethicists showed that use of adult, not embryo stem cells were providing the successful therapies of debilitating
diseases and conditions. This conclusion was reached a full two years before the recent discoveries concerning the adaptability of skin cells which have made embryo stem cell research obsolete.

Authored bill banning partial birth abortion

In 2003, I authored HB 1541 banning partial birth Infanticide Abortions which became law over Governor Mark Warner’s objections. In 2007, I secured a record vote on my HB 2797 which provided that life begins at fertilization and is entitled to
constitutional protection. I also supported legislation to regulate abortion clinics, provide for informed consent and parental notice for minors’ abortions, and outlaw forced abortions. I am 100% pro-life. This has been my lifelong position.